Error propagation analysis is a consolidated practice to gain insights into error modes and effects that pertain to the activation of faults in software systems. A variety of approaches, such as architecture-based, source code instrumentation and variable tracing, have been proposed so far to address software error propagation analysis. Although valuable, existing approaches entail a substantial degree of system internals’ knowledge, visibility and code manipulation that is not well-suited for real-life production environments. This paper proposes an empirical analysis of error propagation. We specifically address the challenges in using fault data and error events in the logs, which are a convenient byproduct of the system’s execution. The approach puts forth the construction of error reporting graphs. We apply the approach to 2,042 failure data points from two real-world critical systems from the Air Traffic Control domain by a top industry provider. The approach contributes to develop a deep understanding on error modes and propagation paths, which can be leveraged by practitioners to make informed decisions on the placement of error detection mechanisms.

中文翻译：

---

关键软件系统中错误传播的实证分析

错误传播分析是一种综合实践，可以深入了解与软件系统中的故障激活有关的错误模式和影响。迄今为止，已经提出了多种方法来解决软件错误传播分析，例如基于架构、源代码检测和变量跟踪。尽管很有价值，但现有的方法需要相当程度的系统内部知识、可见性和代码操作，这不太适合现实生活中的生产环境。本文提出了误差传播的实证分析。我们专门解决了在日志中使用故障数据和错误事件的挑战，这是系统执行的一个方便的副产品。该方法提出了错误报告图的构建。我们将该方法应用于 2，来自空中交通管制领域的两个真实世界关键系统的 042 故障数据点，由顶级行业供应商提供。该方法有助于深入了解错误模式和传播路径，从业人员可以利用这些知识就错误检测机制的放置做出明智的决定。